Rise of the TMNT toys: A closer look

Three weeks ago, Nickelodeon released a series of character shots for forthcoming TV show, Rise of the TMNT. When the images cropped up online, the fan response was not great.

Oh dear.

Since those images first appeared, pics of the accompanying toy line also surfaced. The fan response was also not great.

As a fan of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles myself, I have to say I wasn’t completely sold on the new show or the new toy line either… but, I am at least happy to give it a chance. And now that some footage of the new toys has made its way online, I’m feeling more positive about what Playmates Toys has up its sleeve.

Below is a product walk-through video from toy expert, Pixel Dan. The video – filmed at New York Toy Fair 2018 – offers a greater insight into the look and feel of the toys.

If you’ve been on the fence about this new take on the Turtles and you think it’s simply not for you, then you might want to check out Pixel Dan’s video to see if some of your initial fears can be put to rest. The video highlights eight of the figures that will be appearing in the line’s first wave, along with a look at a truly EPIC-looking Turtle lair and some of the vehicles.

Check it out:

So, what do you think?

The overall look of the figures is much better than I expected and the Shell Hog bikes are pretty cool, right? Plus, the Turtle Tank offers something a bit different – especially since it can connect with the Shell Hogs – and how awesome is that sewer set?

My inner eight-year-old is doing back flips over the lair playset. Just imagine what it would be like to open that on Christmas morning!

Overall I’m now more positive about this line, as I think Playmates has delivered the goods! Of course, I still remain cautious, as Playmates have a tendency to display great versions of their toys on the packaging and at demos, but then some of the paint jobs tend to slip before the products arrive on shelves.

So long as these figures don’t suffer the same fate as some of the past TMNT toy lines and their paint jobs, then I guess the real stumbling block will be the show itself. Will it be able to convince old fans and new fans to jump on board?

Hmm… well ultimately we will have to wait until September when Rise of the TMNT hits screens to find out the answer to that question. In the mean time, I’m off to check out that video again – and that awesome sewer!

Wave one of Playmates Rise of the TMNT toys hit US toy shelves on October 1st. Expect a UK release to follow shortly after.